The best of the best in high school football work all their young lives for a chance to sign an NCAA Division I scholarship, and Wednesday he day. Tomorrow morning marks national Letter of Intent day, as blue-chip prospects finally make their college choices official.

Some have waited a long time after committing more than a year ago, while others, like receiver Jordan Payton from Oaks Christian, put things off until today, as Payton, who first committed to USC, then Cal, changed his mind again and pledged his commitment to Washington less than 24 hours before signing day. UCLA also was in the picture.

“It’s a big commitment for Washington,” ESPN recruiting director Greg Biggins said. “Jordan Payton is a high-profile player, and Washington is desperate for receivers. They want to sign two or three.”

After committing to Cal, Payton (6-feet-3, 200 pounds) followed former Cal assistants Tosh Lupoi and Eric Kiesau, who recently signed on with Washington.

Payton, a three-year standout, caught 61 passes for 840 yards while scoring nine touchdowns this past season. He is also a top defensive back.

Jordan Simmons, a 6-5, 335-pound offensive lineman for Crespi, had more than 30 offers. The five-star recruit finally narrowed his choices down once the season ended, and he gave a non-binding verbal commitment to USC on Jan. 13. Today he becomes a Trojan,, a lifelong dream after growing up in the shadow of the Los Angeles Coliseum.

About 40 area high schoolers and JC players are expected to sign a major-college scholarship today, with a few more inking with I-AA schools and smaller universities.

Some, like Moorpark’s Grant Rohach, have been itching for a long time. Rohach committed nearly one year ago on March 14, 2011. Unlike others who’ve rescinded verbal commitments, Rohach never wavered once he gave his word, and he is looking forward to playing at Iowa State because he has family there.

“It’s a great feeling. I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time, and I can’t wait to be a Cyclone,” Rohach said.

Most scholarships are worth more than $100,000 over a four- or five-year period, so the signed agreement is like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

“It’s a great feeling to know I will be playing DI football at a great program. It’s a dream-come-true,” said Christian Tago, a Highland multi-purpose back set to sign with San Jose State. “All the hard work has paid off, and it’s a great feeling knowing that my education will be fully paid for.”

With five Foothill League boys’ basketball teams still in good contention to win the league title, anyone who can steal a road victory figures to be in good shape.

Canyon took a big step tonight with a 67-50 win at Valencia, as the visiting Cowboys (20-3, 5-2) reached 20 victories for the third season in a row – a first in the Santa Clarita Valley school’s 44-year history.

Canyon’s Clay Kasdorf scored 22 points, including 15 of 16 free throws, as the Cowboys made 28 of 34 free throws while holding Valencia (15-8, 3-4) to 33 points over the final three quarters.

“We preach defense and rebounding – whatever we’ve got to do to win,” Kasdorf said.
Valencia led by two after the first quarter but fell apart, committing 18 turnovers, getting outrebounded 30-25 and missing a series of open shots down the stretch in losing for the fifth time over the past seven games.

“Valencia might have looked terrible, but that’s because we made them look terrible,” Kasdorf said. “Valencia is not terrible. They’re a good team.”

Kasdorf added seven steals, five rebounds and four assists, and Coley Apsay chipped in 18 points, four assists and four steals, and Dean Hendrix-Davis scored 15.

“This is great because we knew this was going to be a tough game,” Apsay said. “Our coach preaches confidence – confidence without cockiness.”

Falling at home for the first time this season, Valencia was within striking distance midway through the fourth quarter until Canyon went on a 20-5 run, pushing the lead to 64-44 on Kasdorf’s four consecutive free throws.

Valencia’s Troy Hammel came in averaging 22.1 points – including four 20-point performances over his past six games – but the senior guard was held to 12 points on 3-of-11 shooting. Zach Davis chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds, and Parker Tredick added 10 points.

Valencia made 8 of 13 free throws, as the Vikings were outscored by 20 points at the line.

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